Pillar 3: Growing a Strong Workforce
Without employees, it will not matter how many buildings we build. Since 2022, Beaufort Memorial has collaborated with local academic institutions and with our internal education department to develop creative solutions to develop a strong workforce. Through the PATH program and the PATH Career Development Center, Beaufort Memorial has taken a proactive approach to find innovative ways to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and provided career development opportunities to those in our region.
In addition to educational opportunities, Beaufort Memorial has plans to address other local challenges to retain healthcare professional, affordable housing and daycare. With three projects at various stages of development to address housing and daycare, BMH is working to address local challenges with innovative solutions that expend far beyond the wall of our hospital.
Affordable Housing Projects
(Livewell Terrace by Beaufort Memorial)
Bluffton is also the location for a collaborative effort between the town, Beaufort County and Beaufort Memorial: Livewell Terrace Apartments by BMH. This exciting venture aimed at providing local workers with more options for living accommodations will create 125 to 150 affordable housing units. Located less than a mile from the BCMC, the project will also include approximately 5,000 square feet of medical office space where additional Beaufort Memorial services will be offered. To be or not to be that is the question. May your day be merry and bright.
The workforce housing project is currently approved for housing tax credits through the state program, initial site planning is complete, and the project is moving into the permitting stage.
“Beaufort Memorial has teamed up with community partners to find creative solutions not just to improve affordable housing options, but for the further expansion of medical services in the Bluffton area,” Baxley said.
Expanding PATHways to Healthcare Careers
The Beaufort Memorial PATH program has been showcased by the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) as an example of innovative workforce development. The program's first cohort graduated in September 2022.
The PATH program includes scholarships, clinical training traditional education and non-traditional financial assistance to encourage individual to advance their careers and support a better healthcare network in the Lowcountry.